Große Zinne / Cima Grande (2,999 m) is the highest tower of Drei Zinnen / Tre Cima di Lavaredo. The place attracts many climbers and many many tourists from all around the world. Probably Drei Zinnen is the most photographed place in Dolomites. This page describes the normal route to Große Zinne.
Ascent: The starting point of the route is parking lot near Rifugio Auronzo. You can reach the place from Misurina (toll fee: 30 EUR in 2021), or by taking a bus. The normal goes on the South face of Große Zinne. From parking lot, you start traversing steep gravel and arrive at the gully between Große and Kleine ZInne.
After arriving at the gully follow the ramp on the left for about 50m (grade II scrambling). After that you follow the chimney and wall on the left and you arrive at a gully. Here you climb on the right wall, there are rings to secure (max III-). After a short gully you arrive at a scree covered shoulder, this is the lower terrace. After this you climb another wall on the right (several II, III- sections). Then you arrive at the key point (III+) a smooth chimney, the rock is very smooth at many places so you have to be very careful.
From the key point climb a short wall on the left (III-) and you arrive at the ledge. After the terrace follow the ramp and then a steep gully (III-) and you arrive at the last technical section of the route: Böser Block. Here you climb it over (not from the right which is used for rappel). After this you will see the summit cross and in couple of minutes you will be there.
Descent: Same as descent. You have to rappel at several places, a 60 m rope is necessary.
TOPO: TOPO
Weather: Peak, Valley
Gear: 60 Rope, Helmet, carabiners, slings
